On Wednesday, the Disney VoluntEAR program joined Keep Brevard Beautiful, the United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority for an intense cleanup. The crew spent hours collecting litter and debris, cleaning about 250 pounds of trash off the beach and dunes.

Organizers said this was just one of many beach cleanups that Disney VoluntEARS have contributed to. In all, they say the program has helped to clear an estimated 40,000 pounds of trash from waterways and beaches.

Beach cleanups not only benefit the appeal of Florida’s beaches, but they help protect wildlife such as sea turtles and dolphins.